Editorial August 2008

Written by Jonnyboy

A change of tack with our latest editorial, usually we try to highlight all the interesting activities of our membership and the changing opportunities that our varied seasons offer to the growers, foragers and stalkers of furry things. However, as there have been a few important changes at Downsizer we thought that you all need to know a bit more about what we get up to.
Firstly, we’ve sorted out a legal structure and bank account for the site. This means that among other things we can start selling the famous downsizer reusable bag, you'll find a paypal link on the main forum page.

Secondly, and this is an important point. Downsizer is run as a not-for-profit enterprise, but we still have services such as hosting, accountants and insurance that need to be purchased. To assist in covering these costs we’ve introduced two things, a trial of free advertising through 'Ethical Junction' which has the benefit over other systems in bringing relevant products and services to the attention of Downsizer members. We’ve also launched an annual subscription service whereby you can become a paid up member of Downsizer and benefit from reduced admission to official events and hopefully discounts on future products.

Thirdly, we have planned a great event for next year to follow on from the success of our skill share weekend. dedicated to great food that will be taking place in Devon next year around the Easter Holiday period. There will be cookery demonstrations, BBQ’s, music, hopefully some additional events like quad biking, horse riding and sea fishing (at extra cost) and most of all a great weekends craic. Luckily one of our team has a campsite and B&B which is perfect for our needs and has also very kindly offered reduced rates for those wishing to stay overnight.
You don’t need to be subscriber to attend, but we are offering discounts to those who have already signed up. Any downsizer members who are also approved traders can attend the show & sell your products free of charge, we hope as many of you as possible take this opportunity.

If not for the subscriptions and advertising we wouldn’t be able to consider organising these events, and certainly rates for attendance would be much higher. But don’t forget, the articles, resources and forums that make up Downsizer.net will always be a free resource, and all our fund raising is purely to allow us to provide new and interesting events for our members.